Frequently Asked Questions About TMS Therapy

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive regions of the brain responsible for mood regulation. Sessions are 20–37 minutes, fully outpatient, and require no anesthesia or sedation.

Antidepressants work systemically — through the bloodstream — to adjust neurotransmitter levels across the entire brain and body. TMS works locally and directly, targeting the specific brain region that is underactive in depression, without affecting the rest of the body. For patients who haven't responded to medication, TMS offers a fundamentally different mechanism of action.

No. ECT uses electrical current to induce a controlled seizure and requires general anesthesia. TMS uses magnetic pulses, requires no anesthesia, produces no seizures in the vast majority of patients, and causes none of the memory or cognitive side effects associated with ECT.

Most patients begin noticing meaningful clinical improvement between weeks two and three of treatment. The full 36-session course is recommended before formal outcome assessment, as the neuroplasticity changes driving improvement accumulate gradually.

Yes — most major insurance plans cover TMS for eligible patients. TRICARE, VA Community Care, BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Medicare Part B all cover TMS when a primary MDD diagnosis is established and at least one prior antidepressant trial is documented. We verify your specific benefits before your first visit at no charge.

Yes, in most cases — when Major Depressive Disorder is co-diagnosed with PTSD. TMS is covered under TRICARE Select and Prime when MDD criteria are met alongside PTSD. We manage the entire prior authorization process on your behalf.

We offer transparent self-pay pricing. Financing through CareCredit and other health financing programs is available. TMS is also FSA/HSA-eligible. Call us at (719) 602-0622 for current self-pay rates.

Most commercial insurance authorizations are resolved within 5–10 business days. TRICARE and VA authorizations may take somewhat longer. We monitor authorization status proactively and alert you when approved.

A denial is not final. We file a first-level appeal on your behalf with supporting clinical documentation. Many first-level appeals succeed. If the appeal is not successful, we discuss self-pay and financing options.

A standard TMS course is 36 sessions over 4–6 weeks — five sessions per week. Individual session duration is 20–37 minutes. Your treatment team will recommend the appropriate protocol at your consultation.

Yes. TMS does not impair cognition, motor function, or reaction time. Patients drive themselves to and from every session throughout the treatment course.

Yes. TMS is fully compatible with antidepressant medication and can be used alongside existing pharmacotherapy. Any medication changes should be made in consultation with your prescribing physician.

We work with patients to accommodate scheduling challenges. Missing occasional sessions does not invalidate the treatment course, though consistent attendance produces better outcomes. We'll work with you to reschedule missed sessions.

TMS is not a permanent cure for depression, but its effects are lasting — most patients who respond maintain improvement for 12 months or longer on average. If depression recurs, retreatment is established, effective, and typically covered by insurance.

Ask your VA Primary Care Provider or psychiatrist for a Community Care referral to High Peaks TMS for TMS therapy for Major Depressive Disorder associated with PTSD. Provide our name, address ({A1}, {A2}), and phone ({TEL}). We handle everything from there.

Yes. Active-duty personnel can receive TMS through TRICARE with a referral from their PCM. Sessions are 20–37 minutes with no downtime, compatible with continued duty status in most cases.

We cannot provide legal or administrative advice about security clearance implications. We recommend consulting with a JAG attorney or security officer regarding specific disclosure requirements. Clinically, TMS treatment is protected health information under HIPAA.